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Nuacht UCD

Posted 04 May 2010

UCD Business Alumni of the Year 2010

In recognition of their leadership skills, notable achievements, and a significant contribution to the community, Michael Carey, Executive Chairman of Jacob Fruitfield Food Group, and Aidan Heavey, CEO of Tullow Oil, have been honoured as UCD Business Alumni of the Year 2010.

“Not only have Michael Carey and Aidan Heavey had considerable impact within their individual industries, they have also shown great spirit and dedication to social initiatives,” said Professor Tom Begley, Dean of UCD School of Business who presented the awards at the inaugural Alumni Awards 2010 fundraising dinner on 23 April 2010.

“We hope our students recognise our winners as an inspiration and strive to emulate their determination and success.”

Michael Carey began his entrepreneurial life in 2002, when he acquired Fruitfield Foods just a week short of his 40th birthday. Within six months, he turned the company around, taking it from losses of around €2 million a year to a profitable business. In 2009, Jacob Fruitfield, with leading Irish brands including Fig Rolls, Chef, Kimberley, Mikado, Fruitfield, Club Milk and Silvermints, had a turnover of €110 million.

“The influence of UCD graduates on Irish business is extraordinary and standing among peers and previous winners of this award such as Gina Quin, Tony Garry and Liam FitzGerald is a privilege,” said Michael Carey receiving the UCD Smurfit School Alumnus of the Year Award.

Since founding Tullow Oil in 1985, Aidan Heavey has developed it into Europe’s leading independent oil and gas exploration company. Tullow is currently listed on the prestigious FTSE 100 and has a market capitalisation in excess of £10.8bn.

With no experience in the Industry, Aidan acquired his first oil prospects in Africa in 1986. Tullow now holds some of the most attractive oil prospects in the world, most notably in Ghana and Uganda. The company currently operates in 23 countries and employs over 500 people.

“The lessons I learned in UCD gave me a tremendous grounding in business thinking and of the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise,” said Aidan Heavey receiving the UCD Quinn School Alumnus of the Year Award.

Recent graduates, Mary Lyng who studied a Masters in Accounting was named UCD Smurfit School Student of the Year, and Michael McSweeney, a Bachelor of Commerce graduate, was named the UCD Quinn School Student of the Year.

Profits from the fundraising dinner go towards the UCD Business Scholarship Fund to support students who might not otherwise have access to third and fourth-level education.